10 Things about David Ajala
Originally from London where many wonderful actors grace our screens today. How did your love for acting develop?
My Mum and Dad brought my siblings and I up on Eddie Murphy and James Bond movies. Without knowing it, they sewed the first ‘interest-in-acting-seed’ before the acting bug officially bit me.
Which actors body of work have had a positive impact on your career with respect to the decisions you make as an actor?
Too many to mention, but here are some on my long list… Chiwetel Ejiofor, Lucian Msamati, Nina Sosanya, Rory Kinnear, Ashley Walters and Julie Walters. I have great admiration for these actors for similar and different reasons. Many of the actors mentioned have a substantial body of theatre work. Theatre will always be my first love.
Currently, you’re on the CBS series Stark Trek: Discovery. How were you first introduced to the series and what was it about the script that made you excited to jump on board?
So, I finished a TV pilot with CBS that didn’t get picked up, unfortunately. A few days later, I get a call from my manager and agent, who are both coincidently in New York at the same time. They’ve just received a call from the creatives behind Star Trek: Discovery who would like to arrange a call to discuss a new character that they would like to introduce for season three. A few days later, I was on the phone with Alex Kurtzman and Michelle Paradise. Their vision, excitement and passion for the season and character sealed the deal for me.
You play the role of Cleveland Booker. What can you tell us about his personality and what you enjoy most about bringing his character to life?
When we first meet Cleveland Booker in episode one, he is a guarded individual that keeps his cards close to his chest. But, throughout the season we will see this character unravel and learn more about his past and present. There are unanswered questions which will be answered as the season progresses. There is something very empowering about playing a character that is altruistic.
Without giving too much away, what can viewers expect to see from Cleveland and the rest of the characters on this season?
We will definitely see more of Cleveland Booker and his character development and his personal journey, as well as his collaborative journey with Starfleet. Something tells me that Cleveland Booker and Starfleet collaborating will be entertaining and empowering. I also look forward to seeing how Cleveland Booker and Michael Burnhams’ relationship develops. Iron sharpens iron.
What we appreciate about this show is the diversity amongst the cast and characters. How well has that resonated on set and how do you hope to use this as a template for other projects?
That’s a great question. Well, first and foremost, I have to say that being a part of this franchise is a blessing. And, you really realise how much of a blessing it is when you step onto the set. In front of the camera and behind the camera, in all the years I’ve worked in TV and film, Star Trek: Discovery is the most diverse and talented set I have ever been on. It’s something that is celebrated and normalised. Our differences make us unique and should be celebrated. We should embrace our differences and use them to draw us closer together instead of separating us. Fear separates us.
Throughout your career, you’ve done a fair amount of both film and television work. What types of characters are you most often drawn to playing on screen?
It’s quite a spontaneous, unpredictable process when it comes to the characters I connect with. I always approach a project through the lens of the character. I have to connect with the character, and I must feel like I can offer something personal when it comes to telling their story. I always find it special when I recognise personal things in the character. It’s also very exciting to read a script and come across a character that is the complete opposite of me and challenges me to create a bridge, in order to connect with the character.
If you weren’t working on your career as an actor, what other career path could you see yourself getting into?
If I weren’t an actor I would probably be a musician. I love music and I love playing live music. I still play the drums every now and then. I’ve never really considered another career path. I guess anything that involves storytelling and being creative.
When it comes to fashion, which designers and style fit your personality and taste?
When it comes to fashion, I really admire other peoples fashion creative choices. How they put colours and styles of clothing together. How certain items of clothing can be recycled and brought back from the 80s, 70s, etc. How different influences of culture affects fashion. Fashion is such a wonderfully fluid form of expression to celebrate. When it comes to my own personal fashion, I’ve been embracing and wearing suits and watches more, whenever I get the chance to dress up. My number one go-to suit maker would be Daniel and Lade. @DanielAndLade and Mosaiqe for watches @Mosaiqe
These designers are classy, cool and timeless.
We look forward to seeing more of you on Stark Trek: Discovery. What other projects do you have coming up in the near future?
One project is a special working title film directed by Adam Leon, which reunites me with Vanessa Kirby.
Twitter: @IamDavidAjala
Instagram: @DavidAjala
Photos: Joseph Sinclair & Dami Oyetad